Style at Home

Thank you Style at Home, Spring 2018, for the feature article on Bethany's home!

In case you don't get to see the magazine, here is the story:

I am so proud of Bethany's design vision for this house. We had so much fun decorating this house last year.  She has since moved to a new property and I can't wait to see what she envisions for her home.

Best use of outdoor space in a city apartment goes to....

The Rancic's

Our summer focus on outdoor rooms and how we enjoy our home's outdoor spaces is constantly on our minds.  We already are feeling a hint of fall in the air as we start August, but in the DC area, it is our hottest month.  Always tuning into inspiring spaces, here is a phenomenal use of limited outdoor city space in the Chicago apartment of Bill and Giuliana Rancic as seen in Traditional Home, 2015. I've held onto these photos for a few years now, they are just so good!

All the elements we love- wood, brick, stone, greenery, bringing the outdoors 'in'...

We hope you're enjoying the last month of summer.

Happy August!

Checking in...

Greetings friends!

 I hope you are having a great summer.  We are spending alot of family time in the pool and really have no vacation plans this summer.  We hope to get to the beach before summer's end. The best way to survive these hot, humid Virginia summers is to stay wet!

Alot is happening at PB Interiors.  We are busy with projects as you may have seen on my Instagram account. We have a basement remodel project, a wallpaper/paint kitchen and family room refresh, and a new condo to design from scratch (the clients sold their last house furnished, so they have very little to bring to the new 4 level house!) 

 Our fabulous 'three-peat' client is having their basement remodeled and turning it into a game room, entertainment area, workout room, in-law suite and bathroom.  It will be coming together in the next month and I will get some professional photos taken to show you.  In the mean time, here are the plans and the sneak peaks so far:

The planning phase involves these design boards to paint a picture of the overall feeling of the room. Often a few substitutions are made due to client changes, sale items, or product availability.

The actual sofa, rug and pillow install...

(My iphone photo of installation progress.  I love these West Elm velvet pillows!)

The in-law suite is about 3/4 completed. We're waiting on custom draperies and a few finishing touches.

The game room has been fun to plan.  The wall unit is in place and I am framing their own vintage childhood game boards for a fun and personal touch.

There are assorted backorder and custom items we are waiting on.  This project will take about 3.5 months to complete.

Another project is a new condominium we are helping a couple plan.  I will post that next, so stay tuned.

Take good care!

Whats new from Black Crow Studios

While in High Point, NC last month I had the pleasure of catching up with Tracy Hiner, the artist behind Black Crow Studios, who told me about her latest projects.

Series 12

I love Tracy's work.  We often see it at CR Laine during market, and I have purchased some of her prints, and can't wait to use her wallpaper line in our design business.

Here is a sampling of the scale and impressive watercolor 'airy-ness' of her artwork.  First featured is her wallcovering line...

Robbert Passal, designer

Cuffhome Interiors, designer

Tobi Fairley, designer

Her art prints are brilliant and affordable:

Greystone

Teal and Violet

Her latest series is titled "Caliber" and involves immersing paint in large bodies of water and photographing the completely spontaneous affect that happens.  Tracy described the process as using large aquariums filled with water and literally dumping water based paint into the water for random and unpredictable affects.  At first I didn't know what the objects were amidst the clouds of paint.

In this Caliber series, she has taken dismantled gun and weapon parts that she secured from police departments who have taken these weapons from arrested criminals, and rendered them unusable, never to resurface again.  I love that she is making a statement about keeping these guns off the streets, and not putting them 'en totale', but using parts so that it remains an abstract quality in her work.  I think this is a brilliant artistic move, and quite unique.  

I can't wait to see what she creates next.  You can follow Tracy, and Black Crow Studios on Instagram and Pinterest.

This inspires me to make some more art, how about you?

High Point 2017 Highlights

We had a whirlwind trip to spring market in High Point, NC.  It is always a whirlwind, because no matter the number of days we stay, one cannot see it all.  It is both exhilarating and exhausting.  The inspiration is plentiful, and we have so much fun meeting up with our design friends from around the country.  

The highlights of this years market are almost too numerous to summarize.  One of the most pronounced occurrences was the used of mixed metals in everything from accessories to furniture. This doesn't evoke an industrial vibe like it has in years past, but a focus on a marriage of old and new materials.  I loved the mix of metals and raw woods, and natural stones like quartz and even semi precious minerals.

• Mixed metals, in all finishes, less shiny, more antiqued
• Clean sleek furniture lines: simplicity and elegance
• Mixed wood tones, in many raw and natural finishes
• Geometric shapes in wall paper patterns and textiles
• Oversized 'statement' hardware on furnishings
• Bold color, grays are warmer, neutrals have hints of warm color in them
• Earthy tones, tawny browns- not your 70's earth tones
• Lucite and glass 

• Texture in everything including artwork, lighting, rugs-all across the board
• Natural fibers; raffia, wicker, rattan, leather
• Mid century modern style
• 1970's shapes and forms- a bit retro
• Global influences from India, Africa, Spain, Morocco, Cuba, etc.- gathering cultural vibes
• Hand block printed textiles and small authentically crafted prints
• Artisanal creations in all lines
• Large art and textiles framed as art
• Found objects and antique finds for accessorizing

This is just a small hint of all that was going on at market. 

                                                                                                                                  

We came back with tons of inspiration and fuel for client projects!

Check out #highpointmarket and #hpmarket2107 on Instagram for more fun snapshots. 

Next post I'll describe the process of the art by the amazing Tracy Hiner of Black Crow Studios. 

Happy Spring!

Tips for creating a stress free home

 I recently gave a talk at my women's networking group, TEAM Win, about living stress free, inside and outside of your home.

If you're not familiar with the decorating principles of Feng Shui (pronounced fung schway), you might enjoy a recap of my notes to help you round out a feeling of positivity, calm and serenity in your environment; be it work, home, yard or closet. 

There really is something to this, so what ever you can do to de clutter and open up the energy in your  home, the better for you and your family.

Jen Dowell Photography

• Start with a welcoming entry, bringing good energy into the home.  Fix squeaking doors, wash windows, set plants in the foyer-anything that makes you smile when you walk in the door.
• Clean windows= clear vision and connection to the outside world.
• Soften angles, no hard edges (block energy); think curves not corners.
• Clear any obstacles impeding your path through every room.
• Mix shapes: oval, round, square, rectangle, triangle.
• Give light to dark spaces.
• Display favorite items in a prominent spot.
• Bring nature indoors through greenery, light, natural objects.
• Create intimate seating conversation areas that invite interaction.
• Create a balance of light; task, overhead, accent, table, wall lighting.  Use full spectrum bulbs that mimic natural light
• Have separate rooms for work, tv, exercise; keeping that out of your calm and serene spaces.
• Work/office space should conceal 'business' behind doors, a screen or drawers.
• Symmetry = connection to all.  Single items like a single end table, nightstand, etc. point to solitude and not sharing. Decorate for two.
• In the bed room, position the bed farthest away from the door, but within sight of the door, for a feeling of safety and well being.
• Have a favorite art piece opposite the bed; the first and last thing you see in bed that brings you joy and inspiration.
• No family photos in the bed room. Focus on your self and your partner and renewal.
• Footboards on a bed frame 'block energy and forward progress in life'.  Drape with a throw or put an inviting chaise or chair at the foot of the bed.
• Use of essential oils elevate mood and behavior.  Calming oils include bergamot, sage, orange, angelica, lavender.
• A COOL color palette of colors of water, sky, ice and cold make for a calm environment.
• Less is more.  Clutter free living allows energy to flow freely.
• Introduce natural textures, not hard and slick.
• Engage all 5 senses for a subtle and soothing environment
• Outdoor curb appeal welcomes you home; add flowers, pots on the porch, things that make you smile.
• Reduce clutter in your yard to welcome you home and reduce stress.

Jen Dowell Photography

Your environment is a reflection of your life and your conscious connection between people, animals, air, water, and soil.  Breathe, declutter, find joy and create a home that makes you smile when you walk in the door; your haven and escape from the outside world.

Blushing Neutrals

It seems with spring in the air the colors of pale pastels and flowering buds and a fresh new color scheme come to mind.  

Here is a current color board we are working on:

PBI

Our inspiration began with the pillows in this colorway from Williams Sonoma Home.

Using this color scheme is a great way to morph a beige or gray room into a current version.

Have you used these colors?

Refresh your space for spring

Recently we were featured in an article for "In Prince William", a local publication affiliated with the Fauquier Times newspaper.  We are thankful and humbled by these opportunities.



Here is the article about refreshing your decor for spring:

A good part of the late winter months is spent yearning for spring, since I am less fond of crippling cold weather than I use to be.  I still can't wait for the greening of the grass and turning my thoughts to sprucing up the yard after the grey, less colorful winter months.

My front yard

What can we do to improve our homes inside and out this spring?  If you haven't been seriously 'nesting' during the winter and working on the inside of your home, now is a great time to freshen up your decor.  Whether it's a makeover or just a re-fresh, here are some tips for the inside of your home this season.

 Interior Tips:

Add Greenery.  A feeling of bringing the outdoors 'in' adds life to your decor, not to mention letting plants act as an air freshener and mood lifter.  Plants actually remove toxins from the air and add a 'pop' of the color green that goes with any decor.

Hume Dining Room by PBI,  photo by Jen Dowell

Paint!  I don't know about you, but the smell of a freshly painted room makes me feel happy and clean. If you are content with your wall color, try a fresh coat of semi gloss trim paint. (We love white trim.)  All paint brands have a 2017 Color of the Year that can serve as inspiration for you, such as

Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year "Shadow" 

 or a warm grey by Sherwin Williams called "Poised Taupe".

Re-arrange your art groupings and create new vignettes.  Oftentimes your rooms will take on a whole new look when you move your artwork from one room to another.  

 Powell Brower Interiors, photo by Jen Dowell

Spring Cleaning:  Throw open your windows and let the fresh air in. Clean your draperies and bed toppings and have your carpets steam cleaned.  Go the extra mile and do extraordinary chores, like washing your windows to brighten up your views inside and out.  

Rearrange your furniture:   As an interior designer one of our most valuable services is lending another set of eyes to interpret your space.  Recreate your space by changing things around. "Float" your furniture towards the center of the room giving your space some breathing room.  Add a few new pillows and accessories; it will give new 'light' to your room and you will either appreciate the things you have or feel a need to make a few more updates.

Outdoor Tips:

Curb appeal and showing some 'love' to the outside of your home makes a huge difference to both your guests and to your family.   Perhaps you need to freshen your paint on the trim and shutters.  Try a new fun color on your front door!  

Pay attention to your entry.  Get a fresh new door mat and a get the cobwebs out of your lights and around your windows and doors.

Fresh mulch in your plant beds and even "edging" them makes the beds look well defined.  

Create a grouping of chairs or seating to make your yard more inviting.  Try an outdoor rug under a dining table and chairs or seating area, for a fresh new look.  There are so many varieties of outdoor, washable rugs these days that won't break the bank.

Small touches like potted plants on your walkways and porches give your home a fresh new look. 

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Spring means refresh and rejuvenate!

Enjoy!

On the easel

I'm on a painting binge this month!

It's been a while since I painted for myself, as it is customary that I create a hand painted piece for all of my design jobs (leaving my 'signature' behind) with little regard for private painting time.

So I took a turn at the easel in my sunroom this month to see what was inside of me lately. This light filled room is where I love to paint.  Our animals are always close at hand!

First of all, I have needed art over my family room sofa for a long time, and haven't found anything I wanted to purchase, so I painted this 36" x 48" canvas with nothing particular in mind.  I started with a black canvas and what I ended up with was iteration no. 3, just going with the flow of "Spontaneity" (aptly titled).

Here is it in situ:

(My husband is making a 4" wide natural wood frame for it, so it will visually take up that whole wall.)

Here I am in the evening, Nicholas the Shih Tzu by my side, painting Bethany's beagle "Winston" for over her living room sofa.  Again, we haven't been able to find just the right size and color piece, so I created it.

Next on the easel is a canvas using one of my current favorite color schemes; white, chestnut brown and black.   I'm calling this one "Oh William".

Here is a detail, which has drawing detail done over top of the paint.

Here is a progress of a cloud painting, started on a red primed canvas (just experimenting with different colored canvases)...

and the final "Moody Cloud" :

Another day of playing on a blue primed canvas, not knowing where this is going yet:

leading to the final "Whimsy" (nothing like where I started, but a fun journey).

I'd love for you to share your feeling about any one of these.

I'm still finding lots of unused canvases around my house and putting random color on it, then waiting for inspiration and a little time.  This has been so much fun, and very 'freeing'.  

Who knows what will come out of me the next time I sit down at the easel?  I hope you give it a try if you haven't already.  Art is very individual and personal, and it's ALL about the experience.